By John Owoo
(Agadir – Morocco)
Théâtre de Verdure, a huge amphitheatre located in the centre of Agadir, came alive last night as two compelling female voices from Africa—Shan’L of Gabon and Isabel Novella of Mozambique—delivered contrasting yet complementary performances at the 2025 edition of the Timitar Music Festival.
Shan’L took to the stage with the confidence and charisma that have made her one of Central Africa’s most visible contemporary pop figures. Backed by tight rhythms and polished production, she commanded attention from the opening note, blending dance-driven hits with moments of personal storytelling.
Known for her strong online presence and advocacy for women’s empowerment, Shan’L carried that same message into her live performance. Between songs, she spoke about resilience, self-worth, and female solidarity, drawing warm applause from the audience.
Her performance balanced spectacle and sincerity. High-energy choreography and catchy hooks were interspersed with songs that highlighted vulnerability and strength, reinforcing her image not just as a pop star but as a voice for young women navigating identity and ambition.
If Shan’L brought fire and flair, Isabel Novella followed with depth and quiet intensity. The Mozambican singer-composer offered a more introspective set rooted in African rhythms, soul, jazz, and traditional Mozambican musical forms.
Isabel’s performance felt ceremonial at times, meditative at others. Her songs explored themes of love, healing, identity, and social transformation, carried by arrangements that fused acoustic textures with subtle contemporary influences.
There was a palpable sense of honesty in her delivery, as though each song was an offering rather than a performance. The audience listened attentively, many visibly moved by the emotional clarity and spiritual undertones of her music.
Together, Shan’L and Isabel Novella showcased the breadth of contemporary African womanhood in music—one bold and celebratory, the other reflective and soul-searching. Their performances at Théâtre de Verdure underscored Timitar’s commitment to diversity, dialogue, and the powerful presence of women artists shaping Africa’s musical future.
Pictures – Timitar Music Festival
